Aviation Institute of Maintenance Student Receives Award

Nicole Cain, a student at Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Norfolk has been selected as the James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award recipient for 2020.

The Rardon Award recognizes outstanding achievement among aviation maintenance technician students.  Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) member representatives evaluate nominees for their academic performance, their involvement in activities that showcase leadership, and other contributions to the school and/or community.  The ATEC Annual Conference is currently scheduled for September 13-16, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas.  Ms. Cain will receive free registration, airfare, lodging, and a meal stipend to attend this event where she will be presented with a plaque and cash award at the ATEC Awards Luncheon.

An excellent student, she maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the 21-month program.  She provided tutoring to fellow students, regularly led class projects, and devoted time to the school’s Veteran Resource Center.  She trained junior mechanics as an apprentice at the Military Aviation Museum and has been offered a full-time position at this facility.

AIM’s Director of Education, Tim Murry, had this to say about her, “Her passion for aviation is infectious.  She commits herself to her education, and her apprenticeship.  Despite being a single mother and a wounded veteran, Nicole’s dedication to her studies and fellow students is apparent.  Our institution, the local community, the organization of Women in Aviation, and the local veteran population are all the better due to her involvement.”